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Volkswagen and the Collision Repair Education Foundation donated two wrecked Audi vehicles to TCAT Morristown Tuesday morning.

The two vehicles will help students within the Collision Repair Technology program and the Automotive Technology program learn as they work to rebuild the damaged vehicles.

TCAT staff, students, Volkswagen representatives and local government officials who rallied for the donation were present to receive the donation.

TCAT Morristown President Suzanne Cox expressed her gratitude for the donation.

“TCAT Morristown is so excited to have everyone here today as we accept the donation of two Audi model vehicles,” she said. “We are very fortunate to have the Collision Repair Education Foundation and manufacturers such as Volkswagen Auto Group who value and support technical training right here in Tennessee.”

Cox explained how this opportunity will prepare students for their future in the job market.

“These vehicles will certainly benefit our students in the Collision Repair Technology program as well as the Automotive Technology program,” she said.

“Anytime students have the opportunity to train with the newest equipment they are better prepared for today’s workforce. We are glad to have our students here with us today for this event as they are the direct beneficiaries of this donation.”

Tennessee State Sen. Steve Southerland discussed the importance of students having up to date technology to work on.

“Ask not and you will receive not,” he said. “We asked and we received and we are so thankful that they made this donation because it’s important that students work on up to date and new technology so they are fully prepared as they enter the job market.”

Tennessee State Rep. Jeremy Faison echoed Southerland’s sentiments.

“The whole reason we are here, Volkswagen is here and the Collision Repair Education Foundation is here is because of you (the students),” Fiason said. “I see an entire group of men and women who are getting a specialized skill that is needed in the workforce today.

“We are here to make sure you have every tool needed to expand your mind in such a way that when you leave this place you will find a job and do an excellent job at it.”

Fiason explained how he is grateful to have companies like Volkswagen to invest in communities around the state.

“Did you know that Tennessee is No. 1 state in all of America for producing vehicles and you will be a part of that number someday,” he said. “Volkswagen has been a big part of that as well and what they are doing today they are doing at 5 different locations across the state.

“They are investing back. The tax dollars we have helped them with, they are investing that back into the community and we are so thankful they are.”

Tennessee State Rep. Rick Eldridge explained that to continue to be the No. 1 technical school in the state, it’s important for students to keep up with the advancing technology.

“We are grateful to Volkswagen and the Collision Repair Education Foundation and we appreciate them more than we can ever say for their generosity here,” Eldridge said. “Our TCAT here is the No. 1 in the state and the only way we can keep that is to keep up with the technology that is taught here.”